United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto suffered another injury scare on Monday, taking a blow to his finger during a slip-catching drill ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. This is the second time in a week the left-handed batter has been struck on the same finger. The first incident occurred during training ahead of the Galle Test, where Najmul played through considerable discomfort despite the pain. However, the pain couldn't stop him from knocking a century in each innings of the match. The fresh knock forced the captain to sit out the remainder of the training session, skipping both batting and fielding drills. While he remained with the team, medical staff and team management are now expected to assess the severity of the injury before making any decisions about his availability. Naim returns to ODI team after 2 years, Taskin also back for Sri Lanka series As of Monday evening, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had not issued any official statement regarding the extent of the injury, leaving fans and observers uncertain about whether Shanto will take the field for the second and final Test of the series. The Colombo Test is scheduled to begin Wednesday. If Najmul eventually drops due to the injury, it will be a big blow for the Tigers.

Bangladesh Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has refused to confirm or deny media reports that he plans to quit the post after the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Speaking to reporters at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo ahead of the second and final Test, he said he remained focused on the immediate task at hand, brushing aside questions about his potential resignation. “There’s a lot of talk going on, as always,” he said with a smile. “But I don’t want to comment on that now. As captain and as a batter, my focus is to finish this Test well.” Speculation about Najmul’s intent to quit the Test captaincy intensified after his abrupt removal as ODI captain earlier this month. Najmul hints at quitting Test captaincy after Sri Lanka series According to insiders, he was caught off guard by the board’s decision, especially after being reassured that he would continue leading both the Test and ODI sides. In response, Najmul reportedly told BCB officials he was willing to step down from the Test captaincy too, citing discomfort with having three different captains in the same dressing room. However, on Monday, he made no mention of such discussions. “I haven’t made any decision, and I haven’t spoken to the board about it,” he said, adding that such speculation during a series was unhelpful. “These kinds of conversations should not happen in the middle of an important Test. The sooner they stop the better.” Najmul also defended his leadership in the drawn Galle Test, especially over the timing of Bangladesh’s declaration. Critics had accused him and Mushfiqur Rahim of delaying the decision in pursuit of personal milestones, a claim he strongly refuted. “No one in our dressing room plays for individual records,” he said. “We made the call based on conditions and discussions with the coaches.” With Mehidy Hasan Miraz likely to return to the XI after recovering from illness, Najmul said the team was looking to build on their solid performance in Galle. “We finished the first Test strongly, and we want to carry that momentum into Colombo,” the Bangladesh captain added. The second Test begins on Wednesday.

Najmul Hossain Shanto has hinted at stepping down at the captain of Bangladesh’s Test team after the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Najmul has reportedly been in a complicated relationship with the national team management, which is now poised to enter a new chapter. Quoting multiple sources close to the in-form batter, Cricbuzz, an international cricket news outlet, reported on Monday that Najmul has already made up his mind, and is expected to inform his decision to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after the ongoing series. Najmul played a captain’s knock smashing centuries in both the innings of the just concluded opening Test match against Sri Lanka that ended in a draw. Whether an announcement will be made immediately after the second Test in Colombo or later will depend on follow-up discussions with the board. Galle Test: Rain-marred Test ends in draw despite twin tons from Shanto Najmul’s desire to quit comes in the wake of recent turbulence surrounding his role across formats. Initially appointed captain for all three formats last year, he voluntarily gave up the T20I captaincy to focus on his batting, requesting to continue leading in Tests and ODIs. However, on June 12, the BCB called an unscheduled Zoom meeting and abruptly replaced him with Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new ODI captain—without placing the matter on the board meeting agenda, a move seen as uncharacteristic and abrupt. It is understood that the abrupt decision to change ODI captaincy might have played a role in Najmul’s possible decision to step down as the Test captain. Najmul was surprised by his removal, especially as he was due to discuss Sri Lanka ODI squad plans with head coach Phil Simmons. BCB director Nazmul Abedin conveyed the news, frustrating Shanto, who then skipped the meeting with the coach.

Bangladesh have named a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, with left-handed opener Mohammad Naim making a return to the national setup after more than two years. Right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed also returns from injury. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain announced the squad on Monday at a press conference held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The three-match series will begin on July 2 in Colombo. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was recently appointed as the ODI captain, will lead the side for the first time in the format. Naim, 25, was rewarded for his strong domestic form. He scored 618 runs in 11 matches in the recently concluded Dhaka Premier League, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-getter. He replaces Soumya Sarkar, who is yet to fully recover from a recurring back injury. Galle Test: Rain-marred Test ends in draw despite twin tons from Shanto Taskin Ahmed’s inclusion will boost Bangladesh’s pace options. The fast bowler missed recent assignments due to fitness issues but has returned to full training. The ODI series will follow the conclusion of the ongoing Test series. The second Test is set to begin on June 25 in Colombo. Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman.

Rishabh Pant lit up the opening Test against England with yet another audacious century, reaffirming his reputation as one of cricket’s most unpredictable yet thrilling performers. The flamboyant Indian wicketkeeper-batter, known for his high-risk strokeplay, reached his seventh Test hundred—and third against England—on Saturday at Headingley in spectacular fashion. Starting the day on 65, Pant unleashed a flurry of unorthodox shots, including a falling-over ramp for four and a pulled six that propelled him into the 90s. In typical fashion, he bypassed a safe single on 99 and instead launched a towering six over cow corner to bring up his century, drawing rapturous applause from the Leeds crowd. “Rishabh’s falling paddle sweep is not accidental. It is intentional and extremely clever,” cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar posted on X, praising Pant’s ability to manipulate the ball with flair. Pant’s explosive 134 came off 178 balls and featured six sixes and 12 boundaries. His four-hour stay at the crease included a 209-run stand with captain Shubman Gill, anchoring India's dominant performance. Despite past criticism for his risky decisions—including a much-talked-about failed scoop shot that led Sunil Gavaskar to label him “stupid, stupid, stupid” during a radio broadcast—Pant's aggressive approach has proven effective. With this knock, he surpassed Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s tally to become India’s most prolific Test centurion among wicketkeepers. Captain Shanto becomes first Bangladeshi to score centuries in both innings twice India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak defended Pant’s unique style. “Rishabh Pant makes his own plans. He decides and he bats. Just because he plays aggressively doesn’t mean he can’t defend,” Kotak said. Pant also became the only visiting wicketkeeper to score more than one Test century in England. Remarkably, for the third time, he reached a Test hundred with a six—all against England—joining Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar in that rare feat. Even Gavaskar, who once harshly criticised Pant, was won over this time. As Pant celebrated, Gavaskar hailed the moment on air, saying, “Superb, superb, superb." Source: With inputs from agency 

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emerged as the first Bangladeshi cricketer to score centuries in both the test innings twice, following his feat in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka that concluded on Saturday. He put his name in the history of Bangladesh cricket scoring two back to back centuries in both the innings of Galle test against Sri Lanka that ended in a draw on the 5th and final day, today (Saturday). Shanto scored 148 runs in the first innings and made an unbeaten 125 runs in the day’s rain-marred 2nd innings and was adjudged the player of the match of the Galle Test. This was the 7th test century as a player and the 3rd century for Shanta as the test captain. Mushfiqur Rahim topped list scoring four test centuries as the captain. Galle Test: Shanto hits back-to-back centuries as Bangladesh set 296 for Sri Lanka He also emerged as the first Bangladeshi test captain to score century in both the test innings, featuring first back to back centuries in both the innings of an away  test. Earlier, Namjul Hossain Shanto made centuries in both the innings of a test match as the 2nd Bangladesh cricketer against Afghanistan in lone test in 2023 making 176 runs in the first innings and 124 runs in the 2nd innings. Former captain Mominul Haque became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to score centuries in both the test innings against Sri Lanka in the Chittagong Test in 2018 making 176 runs in the first innings and 105 runs in the 2nd innings.    Shanto became the 15th batsman in the Test Cricket to score centuries in the both the test innings twice. However, legendary cricketers David Warner, Ricky Ponting and Sunil Gavaskar scored centuries in both the test innings on three occasions.     

The first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ended in a draw, as persistent rain and a flat pitch left no side with a realistic chance of forcing a result on the fifth day at the Galle International Stadium. Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285 for 6, setting Sri Lanka a target of 296 in a minimum of 39 overs. But with significant time lost to rain throughout the day and wet conditions delaying the restart after lunch, only 32 overs were bowled in Sri Lanka’s second innings. The hosts reached 72 for 4 before both captains agreed to call it off. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring centuries in both innings—148 in the first and an unbeaten 125 in the second—marking a rare achievement in Test cricket. Mushfiqur Rahim also starred with the bat, scoring 163 in the first innings and 49 in the second. Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 495 in their first innings, led by a 222-run partnership between Shanto and Mushfiqur. Galle Test: Shanto hits back-to-back centuries as Bangladesh set 296 for Sri Lanka Sri Lanka replied with 485, thanks largely to Pathum Nissanka’s superb 187 and Kamindu Mendis’ 87. For Bangladesh, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed his first five-wicket haul in away conditions, finishing with figures of 5 for 121. On the final day, rain interrupted play just as Bangladesh were considering a declaration. Shanto and Mushfiqur had added 100 runs for the fourth wicket before the latter was dismissed. Shanto reached his second century of the match shortly after the break in play, and Bangladesh declared soon after. Sri Lanka’s chase never gathered momentum. Taijul Islam struck three times, removing Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews—who was playing his final Test. Nayeem Hasan chipped in with the wicket of Nissanka. Despite efforts from both teams, the combination of a flat surface and rain delays left little room for drama. Bangladesh will take confidence from individual performances, especially from Shanto, while Sri Lanka will reflect on their bowling options going into the second Test.

Dhaka, Jun 21 (UNB) — Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit another century in the Galle Test second innings against the hosts Sri Lanka on Saturday.  Shanto also scored a century in the first innings after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first.  The left-handed batter had been going through a prolonged bad patch in the format, but centuries in both innings of the Galle Test will surely boost his confidence for the upcoming matches. Galle Test: Rain interrupts as Bangladesh edge toward draw Shanto reached his second ton off 190 balls with nine fours.  Right after reaching the ton, he smashed three quick sixes, aiming for a lead of 300 runs.  After Shanto’s century, Bangladesh declared their second innings at 285 for six, with Najmul being unbeaten for 125.  At least 39 more overs are expected to be bowled on the fifth day.

Rain disrupted play on the final day of the Galle Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, just as Najmul Hossain Shanto approached a second century in the match, and the match is on the edge toward a draw.  At lunch of the fifth day, Bangladesh were 237 for 3 in their second innings, leading by 247 runs. Shanto, who struck a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 89. Galle Test: Bangladesh securing a big Lead with Shadman, Najmul hit fifties His 100-run stand with Mushfiqur Rahim was a highlight of the morning before Mushfiqur fell for 49. Both batters had scored hundreds in the first innings, laying the foundation for Bangladesh’s 495-run total. Sri Lanka responded with 485, with opener Pathum Nissanka hitting 187. For Bangladesh, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan claimed his first five-wicket haul in an away Test. As the fifth day progressed, persistent showers forced the players off the field just before lunch, with a soaked outfield and grey skies delaying any potential restart. Covers were briefly peeled off in the afternoon, but hopes of further play remain slim. With Bangladesh still batting into the second session, the match is headed towards a draw unless a dramatic collapse or declaration changes the script.  

Rain brought an early lunch on the final day of the opening Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Saturday, dimming Bangladesh’s chances of securing a rare overseas win. Only 80 minutes of play were possible in the morning before rain interrupted what had the makings of a thrilling finish. With heavy clouds overhead and covers firmly in place, the umpires opted to call lunch early as the weather showed no signs of clearing. Bangladesh, which has managed just seven victories in 66 Tests away from home, ended Day 4 in a commanding position at 177-3 in their second innings, holding a 187-run lead. They managed to push that total to 237-4 — extending their lead to 247 — before rain arrived. The only casualty of the morning session was veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who was run out for 49, narrowly missing a well-deserved half-century. In the final act before the weather intervened, Mushfiqur attempted a quick single after nudging the ball to mid-on, but debutant Tharindu Rathnayake produced a sharp throw to run him out just short of the crease. Galle Test: Bangladesh securing a big Lead with Shadman, Najmul hit fifties At the other end, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto remained unbeaten on 89, anchoring the innings with composure and leadership to guide his team into a dominant position. Despite still having six wickets in hand and a solid lead, Bangladesh’s main obstacle on the final day wasn't the Sri Lankan bowling attack — but the weather, which now threatens to end the match in a draw.